2022 – ASAP

Bob W to make Belfast debut in new serviced apartment scheme

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:33:32 GMT

Tech-enabled operator Bob W is entering Northern Ireland with a new 84-unit serviced apartment scheme in Belfast city centre, opening Q2 2026 - its first asset on the island, signalling growing confidence in the city’s extended-stay market.

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Frasers Hospitality Advances Multi-Market Strategic Asset Enhancement Strategy To Drive Sustainable Value Creation

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:03:30 GMT

ASAP Operator Member Frasers Hospitality a business unit of Frasers Property Limited, has unveiled a series of comprehensive asset enhancement initiatives (AEIs) spanning four gateway-city assets across Kuala Lumpur, London, Melbourne and Singapore. The asset enhancement strategy reflects Frasers Hospitality’s disciplined capital deployment approach aimed at sustaining value, enhancing income resilience and reinforcing long-term portfolio performance.

Briefly, these encompass:

Capri by Fraser, Kensington / London: Global debut of refreshed brand identity
Novotel Melbourne on Collins: Inventory optimisation and brand alignment
The Westin Kuala Lumpur: Strengthened premium segment with sustainability upgrade
Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Singapore: Luxury heritage transformation for long-term value accretion

Across all four properties, the AEIs are aligned with structural trends reshaping global hospitality demand, including the rising preference for experiential and design-led environments, and heightened institutional focus on sustainability performance and operational resilience.

Read more

Architects’ Journal: reports paint bleak industry picture, but UK hotel sector relatively strong

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 10:35:00 GMT

New data from the RIBA, construction sector analyst Glenigan and the British Property Federation show a decline in residential construction

Staycity Group completes on landmark hotel project in Nine Elms, London

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:23:00 GMT

ASAP Operator Member Staycity Group has completed on a sale, development and leaseback transaction with Bridges Fund Management and Citygrove that will see the development of a new 185-room Wilde Aparthotel in Nine Elms, London.

Staycity secured a full planning consent for the development from Lambeth Council in November, paving the way for this transaction. Staycity has sold the Wyvil Court site to Bridges and Citygrove, who will develop the aparthotel. Staycity has agreed a 30-year lease to operate the property, which is expected to open in 2028 and has an expected gross development value of c. £85m.

Located at 10 Wyvil Road, the development will introduce Staycity’s boutique lifestyle brand, Wilde, to the wider Vauxhall/Nine Elms area. The property will include a design-led front-of-house with publicly accessible reception, bar, co-working space, café and pantry & artisan shop, creating a vibrant destination for visitors and the local community alike. The development will have a strong focus on sustainability, including onsite solar PV, air source heat pumps and green roofing.

The transaction marks a milestone for the three companies. For Staycity, it represents a significant structured development and investment transaction by the group’s real estate development arm; while it is also the first investment by Bridges and Citygrove in partnership.

Bridges Fund Management is a specialist fund manager focused on sustainable and impact investing. Since 2012, Bridges have developed over £2bn of assets across 70+ transactions, delivering attractive investment returns alongside positive social and environmental outcomes.

Barry Hickey , Managing Director of Staycity’s real estate arm, said: “In today’s volatile real estate market, to execute a transaction of this scale and complexity represents significant success. This is one of the very few hotel development transactions in London of scale in 2025, and testament to the investment confidence in Staycity Group. It has been a pleasure to complete our first transaction with Bridges Fund Management and we look forward to others in the future.”

Adam Amijee, Investment Manager at Bridges Fund Management, added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Citygrove to regenerate this derelict office building and bring it back into economic use – drawing on our extensive experience of sustainable development to deliver measurable reductions in embodied and operational carbon. We’re also excited to be working with Staycity, who not only share our focus on ESG and sustainability, but also bring best-in-class operating expertise. We’re confident that together, we will deliver a modern, sustainable aparthotel that also creates jobs and supports local economic growth.”

Staycity and Bridges extend a special thanks to Tom Fuller & all the team at Citygrove Development Service, who played a significant role in the transaction.

Tom Fuller , Development Director at Citygrove, said: “This is a fantastic endorsement of Staycity, and also Citygrove’s track record in the hotel sector. We are delighted to have secured planning consent on behalf of Staycity, and to be continuing the project to deliver a best-in-class sustainable Wilde aparthotel in partnership with Bridges.”

Addleshaw Goddard acted for Staycity in this transaction, while Taylor Wessing and JLL acted for Bridges.

Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026, with the new Wilde scheduled to open in early 2028.

Top 6 Serviced Apartments in London for C-suite Professionals

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 11:03:00 GMT

This article in Feast Magazine champions three ASAP Operator Members topping its list of six, as offering exceptional accommodation in the capital for professional stays.

Dolphin Square ‘s mix of apartment space and managed services is described as ‘perfect for professionals who need a base that feels like home but relieves the burden of apartment management’.

Cheval Collection ‘s multiple sites are ‘ideal for professionals who value consistency across the city and may need to relocate while maintaining the same level of service’.

The Armitage ‘suits professionals who value comfort and a polished environment when they are not at work’.

See the Member list here:

Landlord confidence slides as Renters’ Rights Act nears

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:46:00 GMT

According to a survey by ASAP Supplier Member Savills , the new Renters’ Rights Act is prompting many rental market landlords to reassess their outlook as regulatory pressure builds.

A shift in sentiment has narrowed the divide between landlords and tenants on pricing expectations, with renters and landlords both expecting rents to fall.

Airbnb Builds Hotel Team to Take On the OTAs

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:33:00 GMT

Airbnb’s global head of real estate is taking on the newly created role of head of hotels, announcing that his priorities in the new position will be building hotel partnerships, putting together a hotels team, and figuring out how hotels will appear on Airbnb.

The company has also employed one of Booking.com’s first hires in North America as global head, hotel enterprise and connectivity partnerships, to convince hotels to buy into Airbnb’s role as a new and vital distribution channel, and recently added a former CEO of Radisson Hotel Group Americas in a business development role, focusing on long-term growth strategies.

SilverDoor launches Robotic Process Automation ‘digital worker’

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:03:00 GMT

UK Chancellor dismisses calls to widen business rates U-turn beyond pubs

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 11:59:00 GMT

The UK’s Chancellor Rachel Reeves appeared to confirm while speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, that any incoming business rates relief would only be made available to pubs, not the wider hospitality sector, saying that “the situation the pubs face is different from other parts of the hospitality sector”.

Research from Colliers found that hotels could see rateable values spike as much as 250% and that they will be hit with an average increase in rateable value of 77% under current plans. This compares with 29% for pubs and 14% for restaurants.

New figures from the Office for National Statistics show nearly 9,000 jobs have been lost from the hospitality sector since the Autumn Budget.

Frasers by Modena opens in Shenzhen

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:59:00 GMT

ASAP Operator Member Frasers Hospitality has opened its Modena by Fraser Shenzhen, marking the refreshed brand’s debut into Southern China.

ASSC launches 2026 manifesto urging fair regulation and stronger tourism

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:48:00 GMT

Our colleagues at the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) have launched their manifesto, Championing Scotland’s Self-Catering: Fair Regulation, Strong Partnerships, Sustainable Growth , setting out a clear call to all political parties to champion fair regulation, evidence-based policymaking and sustainable growth across Scotland’s self-catering sector.

It highlights the vital role self-catering plays within Scotland’s £1bn tourism economy, supporting more than 29,000 jobs, driving local employment and spending in rural, island and urban areas alike.

Frasers Hospitality strengthens commercial leadership team across EMEA

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:00:00 GMT

ASAP Operator Member Frasers Hospitality has strengthened its commercial leadership team across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) with three senior appointments, further accelerating the development of a regional commercial centre of excellence.

Joining the EMEA commercial team are Anna Rivers as Head of Marketing, Maddy Faulkner as Head of Reservations, and Kim Winter as Director of Sales – Global Accounts.

The appointments mark a significant step forward in building an integrated, high-performing commercial function to support the group’s ambitions and its diverse portfolio of serviced apartments across the EMEA region.

The EMEA commercial team supports 23 properties across Frasers Hospitality’s portfolio of brands, including Fraser Suites, Fraser Place, Capri by Fraser and Fraser Residence, working closely with on-property teams to drive performance, optimise revenue and deliver consistent high-quality guest experiences across markets.

Bringing together sales, global and regional account management, reservations, revenue management, distribution and marketing, the team operates as a centralised hub, providing strategic and operational support to properties across the region. The three new appointments build on the strength of an established leadership group, further strengthening Frasers Hospitality’s regional commercial centre of excellence and reinforcing Frasers Hospitality’s commitment to investing in talent, capability and collaboration.

Darryl Walker, EMEA Commercial Director at Frasers Hospitality and new ASAP Chair, said: “These appointments are about building on strong foundations. We already have an experienced commercial team in place, and bringing Anna, Maddy and Kim into the leadership group allows us to further develop a true centre of excellence across EMEA. Together with our existing leaders across sales, revenue, reservations and distribution, they will help us drive performance, support our properties and partners, and deliver outstanding value for our owners and our guests.”

Anna Rivers – Head of Marketing, EMEA

Rivers brings more than 18 years of experience across agency and in-house roles, with a proven track record in brand-building, strategic campaigns, and commercial growth. She joins from Viridian Apartments, where she led the group’s rebrand (formerly Flying Butler) and supported the launch of a second brand, Mura Living. Her previous roles include senior marketing positions at memcom, Bauer Media, and MRM UK.

In her new role, Rivers focuses on strengthening Frasers Hospitality’s brand presence across EMEA, driving strategic marketing campaigns that engage both leisure and business travellers. She will also lead initiatives to support new property launches, align marketing activity with commercial goals, and harness data-driven insights to deliver innovative, results-led campaigns.

Rivers said: “I’m excited to join Frasers Hospitality at such an ambitious and innovative stage for the business. I look forward to leading marketing initiatives that strengthen our brands, engage audiences, and support the company’s properties across EMEA.”

Maddy Faulkner – Head of Reservations, EMEA

Faulkner joins Frasers Hospitality with a strong background in reservations management, guest experience, and operational excellence. Most recently, she held a leadership role at Virgin Limited Edition, overseeing reservation functions for luxury hotels across the globe. She has a proven record of developing high-performing teams and enhancing customer touchpoints across multiple regions.

In her new role, Maddy will lead the development and implementation of a centralised reservations function for the EMEA portfolio. Her focus will be on improving consistency, streamlining processes, and elevating service delivery to support commercial performance and enhance the guest journey.

Faulkner said: “ It’s a privilege to join a team with such ambition and I am looking forward to elevating our reservations capability across the region to support our commercial goals, building collaboration and momentum across EMEA.”

Kim Winter – Director of Sales, Global Accounts

Winter brings 16 years of experience across the serviced apartment sector, with roles spanning both operations and sales at brands including Adagio Aparthotels and, most recently, edyn. She has a deep understanding of corporate travel, global account management, and the extended-stay market.

As Director of Sales – Global Accounts, Kim will focus on developing and growing key accounts across the EMEA region, with a strategic push to drive production across the portfolio. She will also lead efforts to strengthen relationships with TMCs, increase consortia and corporate production, and manage key RMC partnerships. Kim will work closely with regional teams to enhance collaboration and deliver a unified commercial approach.

Winter said: “Frasers Hospitality has an incredible portfolio and a strong reputation in the extended-stay and hospitality space, and I’m thrilled to be part of the next phase in strengthening market position . I’m looking forward to deepening relationships with our global partners, driving production across the region, and working closely with teams to deliver a unified, high-impact sales strategy.”

These appointments follow that of Darryl Walker, who became EMEA Commercial Director in July 2025. The expanded leadership structure complements an experienced regional commercial team, including Alex Gonzalez, Director of Sales EMEA; Lena Kretschmer, Director of Sales Germany; Rebecca Lloyd, Head of Revenue, Reservations & Distribution; and Laure Selle, Cluster Revenue Manager. Together, the team brings deep market knowledge and operational expertise across key EMEA territories, with a shared focus on revenue optimisation, strategic partnerships and distribution to ensure consistent performance and local market strength across the portfolio.

Back row (L-R): Kim Winter, Laure Selle, Alex Gonzalez, Lena Kretschmer

Front row (L-R): Anna Rivers, Maddy Faulkner, Rebecca Lloyd, Darryl Walker

Hilton launches Apartment Collection as 26th brand

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 09:15:00 GMT

The new Apartment Collection by Hilton will open for bookings from the first half of 2026 in New York City, Washington DC and Atlanta.

They will feature kitchens, on-site laundry and dedicated team members on-site to provide what Hilton described as “hospitality-driven apartment stays”.

This first launch is in partnership with Placemakr, a hospitality brand and operator offering flexible, short-term and extended-stay type accommodation in urban and suburban areas.

Staycity Group secures second Vienna aparthotel

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 14:36:00 GMT

ASAP Operator Member Staycity Group has secured a second aparthotel site in Vienna, due to open in 2028, after signing a 20-year lease with a Vienna-based developer for the property on Wiedner Hauptstraße in Wieden.

The new weekend model: apartment-style stays

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 16:15:00 GMT

This article discusses Adagio’s Aparthotel Liverpool offering guests the freedom to rely on local restaurants while still having a functional kitchen, attracting a blend of leisure visitors, business travellers, concert-goers, and remote workers.

It states that, as travel habits continue to evolve, this apartment/aparthotel format feels less like an alternative and more like a natural step forward.

Unite pulls plug on 20-storey student resi scheme after deciding project is unviable

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 09:46:00 GMT

Student homes developer Unite has pulled the plug on a 20-storey, 605-bedroom student accommodation scheme in Paddington after deciding the project was financially unviable.

The decision means the developer will have to write off £10m in costs sunk after three years of planning delays and being twice refused planning by Westminster council.

Employment Rights Bill cleared to become law

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 10:01:00 GMT

The Employment Rights Bill has passed through the House of Lords, and is expected to gain royal assent this week, and then become law in England, Scotland and Wales – although not Northern Ireland.

It will be gradually introduced into law over the next two years, with measures including ending zero-hours contracts to provide workers with stable hours and predictable income. UKHospitality had previously urged the government to “protect the right for employees to access zero-hours contracts when they want them, instead of an outright ban”.

Staycity to open £120m aparthotel in London

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 09:49:00 GMT

Dublin-based ASAP Operator Member Staycity Group has begun work on a new £120 million development in Shoreditch, London, scheduled to open in May 2027, and operating under the boutique lifestyle brand Wilde.

The 11-storey aparthotel will offer 275 studio and one-bed apartments, with restaurant, café bar and cocktail lounge, dining space, fitness room and laundry, and is Staycity Group’s fifth in central London.

Amending the visitor levy in Scotland

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 10:53:00 GMT

The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 grants Scottish councils the power to raise funds for tourist services and facilities by applying a charge on overnight stays, based on a percentage of accommodation costs.

New proposals will give councils the choice of setting a fixed amount instead, while the legislation will also clarify how levies are applied to sales via third parties, and the information accommodation providers must share with councils.

Budget hotels winning over corporate travellers through comfort, affordability and sustainability

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:09:00 GMT

Budget hotels have a lot to offer the corporate sector, with the market awash with big-name budget brands offering an affordable stay where travellers know exactly what they’ll get.

These include city centre locations, affordable breakfasts, 12pm check-out, decent Wi-Fi, comfortable beds and 24-hour security. While the budget sector grew by targeting leisure travellers it has since learned to cater for the corporate world, with core comforts, as easyHotel Chief Executive Karim Malak explains: “Four-star mattresses, black-out curtains, sound proofing. You don’t pay for what you don’t use, like spas and swimming pools.

Low-cost hotels tend not to have atriums and pools and tend to be modular and new, so therefore are probably more sustainable. We use Thrust Carbon to see emissions and have several customers with carbon budgets; they can stay 10 times in a low CO2 hotel and six or seven times in one that’s higher.”

Mayors could gain new powers to impose overnight levy on holiday lets in England

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:50:00 GMT

The government has announced a consultation on new powers for regional Mayors to impose an overnight levy on holiday lets, including hotels, holiday lets, bed and breakfasts, and guesthouses.

Industry body Propertymark points out that such a levy will come into force in Edinburgh from July next year, and England must be careful not to repeat Scotland’s mistakes.

Silentnight beds in B Corp™ certification

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:44:00 GMT

ASAP Supplier Member Silentnight has officially achieved B Corp certification, joining a global movement of businesses committed to balancing profit with purpose.

The rigorous certification process evaluated Silentnight’s entire business operations, from supply chain sustainability to employee welfare, scoring the company 89.8 points, exceeding the required threshold of 80Congratulations to the team!

SilverDoor announces global partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Sonder announces bankruptcy plans, telling guests to vacate hotel rooms

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:27:00 GMT

Short-term rentals company Sonder plans to file for bankruptcy, after Marriott International said a licensing agreement between the two companies had ended under which Sonder hotels were bookable via Marriott’s Bonvoy website.

In its own statement on Monday, Sonder said it made “comprehensive efforts” to improve the company’s finances following Marriott’s announcement, but the Board of Directors decided to wind-down operations and pursue a court-supervised liquidation of the U.S. business immediately.

Sonder was valued at $1.9 billion at the time of its IPO, but now plans to file insolvency proceedings abroad too. Sonder London, Glasgow & Dublin was previously an ASAP Operator Member until earlier this year.

WTTC set to move head office from UK

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:56:00 GMT

The World Travel and Tourism Council is set to move its head office outside the UK for the first time, citing Brexit as “one of the main factors” behind the move and naming Italy, Spain and Switzerland as alternative options.

Lamington Group secures £41.75m loan for net zero ‘hometel’ in York

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 06:59:00 GMT

Long-standing ASAP Operator Member Lamington Group has secured a green development and investment loan of £41.75m from Coutts Commercial to fund the construction of a new net zero ‘hometel’ in York.

The 116-room Room2 York will be the company’s first site in the North of England, and is due to open in spring 2027.

It will be built to whole-life net zero standards featuring reclaimed materials, solar panels and CO₂-controlled ventilation.

Travel buyers’ optimism rebounds – GBTA survey

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 09:47:00 GMT

According to the latest GBTA survey, global travel buyers are showing renewed confidence in the business travel sector, with 43% now feeling optimistic about the industry’s outlook for the remainder of 2025

The October survey of 591 travel buyers and suppliers worldwide found that optimism among buyers had increased by 15% compared with the association’s previous survey in July.

Revenue concerns are most pronounced among accommodation suppliers at 59%, almost the same as July’s result at 58%.

Destiny Scotland to turn ‘derelict’ Princes Street townhouses into serviced apartments

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 13:14:00 GMT

Serviced apartments developer and ASAP Operator Member Destiny Scotland has appointed conservation specialists to convert B-listed buildings located within Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, which are currently in a semi-derelict state internally.

The properties previously received permission for conversion into 30 serviced apartments, and the newly-submitted proposals will modify the proposals to the roof level, as well as retaining the first-floor commercial space as an office.

Destiny Scotland currently manages 15 properties across Edinburgh, this will be its flagship.

Italy acts to end tax break on short-term rental accommodation

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 13:07:00 GMT

2026-2028 budget

Phocuswright: the value of travel bookings will reach $1.8 trillion by 2027

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 10:34:00 GMT

According to the Phocuswright Global Travel Market Report 2025, the global travel industry recorded travel bookings worth $1.6 trillion in 2024, which is expected to approach $1.8 trillion by 2027.

Online bookings increased by 9% in 2024, and by 2027, two – thirds of all travel bookings will be made online .

This new era of travel, driven by the adoption of digital technology and steady demand for leisure, is characterised by structural changes on many fronts. Established markets maintain their lead, while emerging regions such as the Middle East, Mexico, Brazil and India are expected to show the greatest growth potential by 2027.

Staycity Group expands into Poland with first aparthotel in Warsaw

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 10:31:00 GMT

The upcoming Staycity Aparthotel Warsaw will be a conversion of a former office building, originally constructed in 2005 and located near the city’s central business district.

Once completed, it will offer 268 self-catering units, including studios and one-bedroom apartments, bar, gym, co-working area, café, and a restaurant serving light meals.

The development marks a new stage for ASAP Operator Member Staycity ’s international growth, in collaboration with investor Solida Capital.

Situ releases White Paper: Mind the Gap

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 10:33:00 GMT

ASAP Agent Member Situ has released a new research paper – Mind the Gap: Generational analysis of the accommodation requirements and buying behaviours of today’s business travellers.

Global business travel spending grew 10% in 2024 to 1.47 trillion dollars and is set to increase to 1.57 trillion in 2025, with higher growth expected in 2026[1]. This renewed momentum is happening alongside a major demographic shift.

Exploring these generational differences – or ‘gaps’ – is a vital and ongoing conversation. It is hoped that this study will contribute insights that will help the corporate travel industry respond to the evolving needs of a multigenerational travelling workforce.

Click here to download the paper , visit Situ , or view the paper below:

Mind The Gap White Paper from Situ 5

US giant Choice Hotels brings long stays to Australia

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 10:30:00 GMT

US hospitality giant Choice Hotels is bringing its long stay chain, MainStay Suites, to Australia, taking the brand outside North America for the time. It is partnering with local serviced...

Airbnb launches £1m Best of British fund to back hospitality and boost local tourism

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 08:46:00 GMT

Airbnb has launched a ‘ Best of British’ fund supported by VisitBritain, aiming to help communities across the UK transform their local traditions into must-do cultural experiences.

Research by Airbnb shows many of the best cultural experiences and quirky, local traditions – such as eating fish and chips by the sea – remain off the radar for holidaymakers and tourists.

Eligible applicants can apply for access to funding for an experience, stay or attraction that represents the ‘Best of British’ across Nature & Outdoors, Food & Dining, Music & Arts and Culture & Heritage.

Europe’s most expensive city for renters named

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:37:00 GMT

Deloitte’s annual Property Index compares major cities across Europe to see where people are getting a good deal when it comes to housing, and where people are definitely not, comparing much it costs to buy a home relative to income and the average rental costs per square metre.

Amsterdam sees house prices generally fifteen times the average income, whereas Turin, Odense and Manchester are named the three most affordable housing markets in the continent.

Big news on expansion from ASAP Member Kula

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 08:43:00 GMT

ASAP Operator Member Kula has announced the company’s biggest property signing yet.

The former Resident Kensington is joining the Stay Kula family as their 11th London location, joining locations across Athens, Birmingham, London, Manchester, Melbourne, Sydney and Wollongong.

Congratulations to ASAP Chair Keith Freeman , CEO at Kula. This expansion is so optimistic for our amazing sector.

Staycity lines up 25-storey Southwark tower as London pipeline tops £800m

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 13:18:00 GMT

ASAP Operator Member Staycity Group is set to bring its Wilde Aparthotel brand to Blackfriars Road, SE London, confirming plans for a 25-storey scheme beside Southwark Underground station.

The site was acquired from Swiss Life Asset Management, and, subject to approvals, Wilde Blackfriars would arrive in early 2030 as one of the brand’s flagship properties in the city. It deepens Wilde’s footprint in the capital, joining locations in Aldgate, Covent Garden, Liverpool Street and Paddington, taking the company’s central London development pipeline to five sites with a combined GDV of more than £800m.

Native by Numa Launches Across Europe’s Most Vibrant Cities

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 10:32:00 GMT

ASAP Operator Member Numa , known for the pared-back style of its Berlin apartment hotels, is moving into the premium market with its new brand, Native by Numa.

Targeting lifestyle luxury travellers, it sees the company shifting to higher tiers of service that integrate design-centric hotels with serviced apartments, targeting a flexible accommodation gap that exists across major metropolitan areas in Europe.

Bob W Expands Munich Footprint Ahead of Expo Real 2025

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 08:28:00 GMT

Tech-powered hospitality operator Bob W has signed a long-term lease for a serviced apartment building in Munich’s Arnulfpark, the brand’s fifth property in the Bavarian capital, to open later this winter as Bob W Munich City West.

This milestone comes just ahead of Expo Real 2025, taking place in Munich between 6th to 8th October.

Arnulfpark has emerged as one of the city’s most vibrant districts, housing the German HQ of global firms including Google, Apple and Salesforce. Germany remains a key growth market, with a signed pipeline across cities including Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Cologne, and Dortmund.

Tenerife gets tough on tourists with first-ever eco-tax and new £600 fines for non-compliance

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:41:00 GMT

Tourists visiting Tenerife will face a new eco-tax of Euro 25 to climb its most iconic landmark, Mount Teide, from January 1st. There will be strict daily capacity limits, with a maximum of 300 climbers per day. Visitors will be distributed into three time slots, and fines of Euro 600 will be charged for visiting without prior permission.

Budapest district narrowly votes to ban short-term rentals from 2026

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 09:18:00 GMT

Tax incentives for Short-Term Lets & how there is still time to benefit

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:14:00 GMT

Advice from ASAP Professional Services and Consultancy Supplier Member Zeal : Claim your Capital Allowances entitlement, before it’s too late.

The clock is ticking!

2025 has seen the biggest change in tax rules for short-term lets in over 40 years. Since 6th April 2025 (1st April for limited companies), the special tax rules for short-term lets were abolished. This means short-term lets will now be taxed under the same rules as long terms lets.

Zeal_ASAP Article

Pubs with rooms key to Greene King growth story

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:14:00 GMT

UK leisure operator Greene King may be best known for its pubs, but its hospitality segments including pubs with rooms and standalone food and beverage (F&B) are now described as key to driving profits.

Greene King currently has 126 hotels and pubs with rooms, representing a total of just under 3,000 keys. The desire to grow this part of the business is flanked by a belief in the growth of sports as a driver of community.

Airbnb to launch hotel interface

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:39:00 GMT

On Tuesday 16 September, Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky said the short-term rental giant is adding a hotel interface to its app, something he said was always its plan.

Chesky shared that Airbnb rebuilt its tech from the ground up for the launch of its Services and relaunch of its Experiences verticals, and this work can also be applied to hotels.

Airbnb, he said, is building a first class interface to showcase homes, inns and bed and breakfasts.

Do New Yorkers prefer Airbnb or hotels when traveling?

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 15:01:00 GMT

Answers in this YouTube video

Switch Management purchases the Queens Hotel & Spa in Bournemouth

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 13:40:00 GMT

The Queens Hotel & Spa in Bournemouth has been acquired by Birmingham-based asset management company Switch Management Ltd, which currently manages a number of premium hospitality assets across the Midlands including ASAP Member aparthotel Birmingham .

With 109 ensuite rooms and suites, hotel facilities include an indoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, garden and an on-site restaurant & bar along with indoor and outdoor event spaces catering for up to 200 guests.

The hotel entered into administration in March 2024, so this acquisition has secured the long-term future of the property and its 68 employees.

‘Mid-term rentals’: the new haven for investors to keep ahead of housing regulations

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 10:09:00 GMT

As traditional hotels in hotspot tourist destinations end to be expensive, short-term rentals have boomed in city centres across Europe, putting pressure on the local housing market and displacing residents from their own neighbourhoods.

As local administrations fight against the uncontrolled rise of accommodation listed on platforms such as Airbnb, regulations such as licensing restrictions in Athens or Barcelona and night caps in Amsterdam or Paris are becoming increasingly common.

This is squeezing the profitability of housing investments, but some investors have found a new opportunity, so-called ‘mid-term rentals’ (30 days to up to a year).

As of the beginning of this year, Paris leads as the European city with the most accommodation offered on the platform, with over 91,000 rooms and houses, and there are 12,000 in Florence and almost 35,000 in Rome.

PE firm eyes Hotel du Vin and Malmaison deal

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 12:52:00 GMT

Private equity firm Terra Firma Capital Partners is considering a bid for Hotel Du Vin and Malmaison, which would add to a list of British assets acquired by the firm in recent times.

Malmaison and Hotel du Vin trade from 37 hotels in 27 UK cities, owned by ASAP Operator Member Frasers Hospitality Group which paid more than £360m to acquire the group in 2015.

Big changes to Airbnb globally, from today

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 09:48:00 GMT

Airbnb now requires that guests see the total cost of their stay – including all fees before taxes – directly in search results, making pricing clear and upfront. All mandatory fees (cleaning, pet, extra-guests, resort, etc.) must be entered via Airbnb’s fee fields, or rolled into the nightly rate.

Also announced today, but starting 1 October, Airbnb will auto-update all booking cancellation policies from “strict” to a “firm” policy, unless hosts explicitly opt out. There will also be no collection of security deposits, guest emails or waivers via platform messaging – these must be handled through approved PMS systems or Airbnb-integrated tools only.

Airbnb’s own AI now actively scans messages for policy violations like “book direct,” external links, or off-platform payment invites.

ASAP’s opinion:

ASAP stands by transparency – it’s a cornerstone of the ASAP Code of Conduct for our members. Anything that leaves guests facing unexpected add-ons mid-booking damages trust, and ultimately harms the reputation of the whole short stay sector.

As with all elements of policy and regulation, ASAP will continue to support measures that promote fairness, professionalism and guest confidence. A level playing field benefits everyone – especially those ethical, professional operators who put service and integrity first.

US Serviced Apartment Market To Reach $44 Billion By 2033

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:09:00 GMT

According to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., the American serviced apartment market size is expected to reach USD 44.03 billion by 2033, driven by strong corporate and relocation demand, rising numbers of digital nomads, and remote workers.

A preference for private, fully equipped accommodation near business hubs further boosts demand, while companies favor direct corporate contracts for convenience and cost efficiency, while wellness and sustainability are key. Eco-friendly measures such as energy efficiency, sustainable materials and waste reduction appeal to health-conscious and environmentally aware American business travellers.

UKHospitality finds hospitality jobs account for 53% of post-Budget losses

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 13:42:00 GMT

According to new analysis of ONS figures by trade body UKHospitality, of the 164,641 jobs lost nationwide since the last Budget, 88,964 were in hospitality – that’s 53% of total job losses.

UKHospitality said that one in 25 roles in the sector have been lost since October 2024, amounting to 4.1% of the total hospitality workforce. That is seven times higher than the national average across all industries.

Radisson Blu Hotel and Serviced Apartments to Launch in Montenegro

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 08:06:00 GMT

Radisson Hotel Group has signed flagship new-build property on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast: Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences, Tivat.

This will introduce the brand’s first coastal presence in the country, and will feature 61 hotel rooms and 44 serviced apartments, providing flexibility for both short-term guests and longer-term investors.

In Dubai, co-living tenants are now getting that ‘minimum’ space

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 14:29:00 GMT

Residents in Dubai opting for co-living rental options are now finding landlords are giving them Dubai Municipality’s ‘minimum space’ of 5 square metres of space to each tenant. Landlords are...

Global hotel development pipeline reaches ‘record high’

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 11:58:00 GMT

According to industry data specialist Lodging Econometrics, the scale of hotel development globally has reached a “record high”, with nearly 16,000 new properties in the pipeline, adding nearly 2.5 million rooms if they all go ahead.

Currently around 6,250 projects are under construction adding just over 1 million rooms worldwide.

Europe accounts for 10.6%, with just under half already being built; the US and China dominate the list of the countries with the highest number of new hotel projects, 64% of the total projects worldwid, followed by India, Saudi Arabia and Canada.

In Europe, the UK leads the way with 282 hotel developments, London highest with 79 projects in the pipeline.

Ascott adapts extended stay brands for resorts across Asia

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 12:02:00 GMT

As part of ASAP Operator Member The Ascott Limited (Ascott) ’s multi-typology brand strategy, the group is extending its Citadines , lyf , Oakwood , and other brands into resort destinations – blending the flexibility of serviced living with the allure of leisure travel.

Highlights include:

Citadines Selavia Phu Quoc , Vietnam – a 369-unit beachfront resort set to open in 2027
Citadines’ debut in the Philippines with a beachfront resort in Cebu
lyf Labuan Bajo (120 keys) – Ascott’s first property in Indonesia
Oakwood Jimbaran Villas and Residences Bali (57 units)
Oakwood Premier Berawa Beach Bali (366 units)
Oakwood Sanur Bali (180 units)

In South Korea, Ascott will also bring its Oakwood brand to Lagoon Town with a 500-key property — reinforcing its expansion into lifestyle-led resort and extended stay offerings across Asia.

CorporateStays Arrives in Mexico City! A Bold Step into Latin America’s Creative Capital

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 09:35:00 GMT

Canadian ASAP Operator Member CorporateStays is proud to announce its expansion into Mexico with the launch of Josefa by Urbanista , a stylish new residence located in the historic neighborhood of Colonia Tabacalera .

This flagship property marks a new chapter for CorporateStays as it brings its signature serviced living model to one of Latin America’s most dynamic cities , where business, culture, and creativity intersect.

Mexico CIty - Urbanista Opening - PR

SilverDoor and Synergy Global Housing Announce Merger

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 15:44:00 GMT

SilverDoor’s shareholder, Habicus Group (Habicus), and ASAP Operator & Agent Member Synergy Global Housing ’s parent company, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), today announce that the two businesses of SilverDoor and Synergy are to combine their operations and unite their respective brands.

Following a brief integration period, set to complete in early 2026, the combined group will operate under the SilverDoor entity with two key brands: ‘SilverDoor’ for its global agency services, and ‘Synergy by SilverDoor’ for its global corporate housing management business. ‘Synergy by SilverDoor’ will operate its own branded apartments in core markets across the United States, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, with further international expansion planned.

Pictured: from left to right: Stuart Winstone CEO SilverDoor; Kar Ling Wong Chief Strategy Officer Ascott; Marcus Angell Founder and Chairman of SilverDoor; Henry Luebbert Co-Founder Synergy; Angie Angell Co-Founder SilverDoor; Jack Jensky Co-Founder Synergy.

Press Release - SilverDoor and Synergy Announce Merger

Dwellworks Announces Strategic Leadership Structure to Enhance Regional Service and Global Operational Excellence

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 15:37:00 GMT

ASAP Agent Member Dwellworks has announced new leadership and organizational initiatives to enhance availability to clients and drive continuous improvement and innovation across its worldwide operations.

To further align with clients and reinforce its regional presence and commitments, the company has established the role of regional Managing Director, appointing experienced leaders Andy Horvath as Managing Director, Americas; Andrew Scott as Managing Director, EMEA; and Dima Lorenz as Managing Director, APAC.

They will oversee both client relationships and service teams in their respective regions, providing a senior, strategic focus that will align the expectations of internal and external stakeholders alike.

Press Release_Dwellworks Organizational Structure Updates_August_2025

Business travellers (still) don’t prioritise sustainability – survey

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 12:19:00 GMT

According to a new BCD Travel hotel survey of 1,035 business travellers across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific who had travelled for business within the past 12 months, released on 7 August, sustainability is among the least important factors influencing accommodation choice for business travellers.

Half said they never or rarely took environmental considerations into account when making a booking. Only 3% of respondents indicated they make sustainability a consideration – the top factors influencing choice were location (77%), their employer’s policy (56%) and price (53%). 80% of business travellers stating they belong to hotel loyalty programmes, and two-thirds said they often or always choose hotels aligned with their loyalty memberships.

Only one in five business travellers said they look for features like eco-certification, reduced single-use plastics, low carbon emissions, water-saving measures or limited housekeeping when booking accommodation.

OWL Celebrates 5 Years of Global Innovation in Corporate Housing Technology

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 10:13:00 GMT

ASAP Supplier Member OWL, the global technology marketplace revolutionizing the way temporary housing is sourced, is proudly marking its 5th anniversary.

Since its launch in 2020, OWL- headquartered in San Diego – has grown into a trusted digital infrastructure used by relocation management companies (RMCs), destination service providers (DSPs), insurance housing firms, corporate clients, and property partners across more than 95 countries.

OWL 5th Anniversary Press Release (1)

Charles Hope launches in Battersea, London

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 15:20:00 GMT

The new property, London Battersea offers stylish, fully furnished accommodation for business travellers, relocating professionals, and holiday makers looking to tour the capital.

London_battersea_pressrelease

Marriott sees drop in business transient RevPAR amid economic uncertainty

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 09:58:00 GMT

Business transient RevPAR at Marriott International properties dropped 2% year over year during the first half of 2025, and the company now projects full-year business RevPAR to be “around flat year over year”.

Marriott CFO Leeny Oberg has attributed the business travel slowdown to macroeconomic uncertainty, but the company projects overall fourth-quarter RevPAR to accelerate, due in part to the timing of large events.

Wilde opens its doors in the historic city of Cambridge

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 13:30:00 GMT

Investor interest in UK hotels holds firm despite headwinds

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:31:00 GMT

According to Christie and Co’s latest Hotel Market Review, investor interest in UK hotels remains strong despite economic, political and cost pressures.

According to Hotstats data, London’s RevPAR fell 2.4% year-on-year to May, although regional UK markets fared better. Rising labour costs due to National Insurance contributions and minimum wage increases have also weighed on profits, although utility costs have fallen by more than 4.5% so far this year.

The report says hotel owners and operators focusing on cost control, active asset management and operational innovation are best placed to navigate such headwinds.

Extended youth mobility scheme with EU reportedly on the cards

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:40:00 GMT

According to the Times, the EU relations minister is looking to implement an agreement that will mirror Britain’s 13 existing two-year youth mobility schemes with countries like Japan and Australia, which...

Global business travel spend to hit $1.57t in 2025, but GBTA cuts growth expectations

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 08:17:00 GMT

In the latest edition of its annual Business Travel Index Outlook, GBTA projects global spending on business travel to reach a record US$1.57 trillion in 2025, only a “moderate” year-on-year growth of 6.6% “due to trade tensions, policy uncertainty and economic pressures”.

It predicts this to rise to US$1.69 trillion in 2026, but the organisation has downgraded its growth expectations amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

A year ago, the organisation had predicted 10.4% growth this year and 9.2% in 2026.